SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [ X ]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[ X ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to 240.14a-11(c) or 240.14a-12
SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY
------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ X ] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
3) Filing Party:
4) Date Filed:
<PAGE>
Southwestern Energy Company
1083 Sain Street
P. O. Box 1408
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-1408
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
ON MAY 18, 1999
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Southwestern Energy Company will be
held at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center, Hwy. 71 Bypass at Hwy. 412,
Springdale, Arkansas, on Tuesday, the 18th day of May, 1999, at 11:00 a.m.,
Central Daylight Time, for the following purposes:
(1) The election of six (6) directors to serve until the 2000
Annual Meeting or until their respective successors are
duly elected and qualified; and
(2) To transact such other business as may properly come before
the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 17, 1999,
as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the meeting.
You are cordially invited to attend the meeting. In the event you will be
unable to attend, you are respectfully requested to mark, sign, date and return
the enclosed proxy at your earliest convenience in the enclosed return envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors
GREG D. KERLEY
Secretary
March 29, 1999
<PAGE>
Southwestern Energy Company
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the shareholders of Southwestern
Energy Company (the "Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies to
be used in voting at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 18, 1999, and any
adjournment or adjournments thereof.
The complete mailing address of the principal executive offices of the
Company is:
1083 Sain Street
P. O. Box 1408
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-1408
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company. A
person giving the enclosed proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before
it is exercised.
The Board of Directors has engaged Morrow & Co., Inc., a proxy solicitation
firm, to solicit proxies from brokerage firms, banks, and institutional holders
of shares on its behalf at a cost of $5,000 plus expenses. The cost of this
proxy solicitation will be borne by the Company, including the charges and
expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding solicitation material to
beneficial owners of stock. The solicitation will be by mail and such cost will
include the cost of preparing and mailing this Proxy Statement and proxy. In
addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by personal
interview, by telephone, or by other means. Although solicitation will be made
primarily through the use of the mail, officers, directors, or regular employees
of the Company may solicit proxies personally or by telephone or other means
without additional remuneration for such activity.
This Proxy Statement along with a copy of the Company's Annual Report is
being mailed to shareholders on March 29, 1999.
VOTING SECURITIES OUTSTANDING
CUMULATIVE VOTING FOR ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AUTHORIZED
On March 17, 1999, the Company had outstanding 24,933,280 shares of common
stock ($.10 par value). Each share outstanding on the record date entitles the
holder thereof to one vote upon each matter to be voted upon at the meeting,
except that for the election of directors each such shareholder shall be
entitled to as many votes as shall equal the number of the holder's shares of
stock outstanding in the holder's name multiplied by the number of directors to
be elected, and may cast all such votes for a single director or distribute them
among the number to be voted for, or for any two or more of them, as the holder
may see fit. Unless contrary instructions are given, persons named as proxies
will have discretionary authority to cumulate votes in the same manner. All
shares represented by effective proxies will be voted at the meeting or any
adjournment thereof as specified therein by the person giving the proxy.
Abstentions and broker nonvoted shares are disregarded in the vote tallies and
do not have the effect of "no" votes. For purposes of determining a quorum, a
share is present once it is represented for any purpose at the meeting.
Abstentions are counted present for purposes of determining a quorum. Broker
nonvoted shares are counted present if represented at the meeting for any
purpose.
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Unless revoked, each properly executed proxy will be voted in the manner
directed therein. If no direction is made, each such proxy will be voted FOR the
election of directors.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 1999,
will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the meeting, six (6) directors are to be elected to serve for the
ensuing year and until their respective successors are elected and qualified.
The shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted as instructed by the
shareholders for the election of the nominees named below. If no direction is
made, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of the nominees named below. If
any nominee becomes unavailable for any reason or if a vacancy should occur
before the election, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy may be voted
for such other person as may be determined by the holders of such proxies. The
Company has no knowledge that any nominee will be unavailable for election.
Directors shall be elected by plurality vote. Certain information concerning the
nominees for election as directors is set forth below.
Nominees For Election
LEWIS E. EPLEY, JR. - Mr. Epley is an Attorney at Law with the firm of
Lewis E. Epley, Jr. Ltd., Holiday Island, Arkansas, and is involved in several
personal business ventures in the Eureka Springs, Arkansas area. He has served
as City Attorney of Eureka Springs, President of the Carroll County Bar
Association, and Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. He
is a director, since 1964, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, since
1993, of the Bank of Eureka Springs. He is a past chairman and past member of
the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. He is currently a director
of the University of Arkansas Foundation, a director of the Washington Regional
Medical Foundation and chairman of the Northwest Arkansas Radiation Therapy
Institute Foundation Board. Mr. Epley has also been a delegate to the Arkansas
Constitutional Convention. In 1998 he was awarded a Distinguished Service Award
by the Arkansas Hospital Association. Mr. Epley is 62 years old and is being
nominated for his second term on the Company's Board of Directors.
JOHN PAUL HAMMERSCHMIDT - Mr. Hammerschmidt is a retired U.S. Congressman,
Third District of Arkansas, who served from 1967-1993. He has been a director of
Dillard's Department Stores Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas, since 1992, First
Federal Bank of Arkansas, Harrison, Arkansas, since 1966, and American
Freightways Corporation, Harrison, Arkansas, since 1997. Mr. Hammerschmidt has
been a member of the Board of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
since 1997 and was a member of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Board of Review from 1987-1992. He has served as member of the Board of Trustees
of the University of the Ozarks since 1994 and Arkansas State University since
1999. Mr. Hammerschmidt is 76 years old and was first elected to the Board of
Directors in 1992.
ROBERT L. HOWARD - Mr. Howard is a retired Vice President of Shell Oil
Company. He was most recently Vice President, Domestic Operations, Exploration
and Production of Shell, a position he held from 1992-1995. In that position, he
was responsible for all domestic exploration
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and production activities. From 1985-1991, Mr. Howard was President, Shell
Offshore Inc., and was responsible for all offshore exploration and production
in the Gulf of Mexico, the East Coast and Florida. During Mr. Howard's 36 years
with Shell, he held various positions within Shell's exploration and production
operations, including General Manager, Exploration and Production, Mid-Continent
Division, and General Manager, Exploration and Production, Rocky Mountain
Division and Alaska Division. Mr. Howard has served as a director of Camco
International, Inc. of Houston, Texas, from 1995 until 1998, Ocean Energy, Inc.
(formerly United Meridian Corp.) of Houston, Texas, since 1996, McDermott
International, Inc. and J. Ray McDermott of New Orleans, Louisiana, since 1997.
He is 62 years old and first became a director in 1995.
HAROLD M. KORELL - Mr. Korell is the President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company. Mr. Korell joined Southwestern in 1997 as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer. On May 22, 1998, Mr. Korell was promoted
to President and Chief Operating Officer and was named President and Chief
Executive Officer effective January 1, 1999. Previously, Mr. Korell was Senior
Vice President - Operations of American Exploration Company, Executive Vice
President of McCormick Resources, and held various technical and managerial
positions with Tenneco Oil Company including Vice President - Production, and
various positions with Mobil Corporation. Mr. Korell is 54 years old and was
appointed a director in October 1998.
KENNETH R. MOURTON - Mr. Mourton is an Attorney at Law with the firm of
Ball and Mourton, Ltd., PLLC, Fayetteville, Arkansas. He is the Managing
Principal Attorney for this firm. Mr. Mourton is also President and principal
shareholder of Coors of Western Arkansas, Inc., since 1980; President and
majority shareholder of E. J. Ball Plaza, Inc., since 1992; and part owner of
Emerald Travel Services, Ltd., since 1989. All of these businesses are located
in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mr. Mourton also owns and operates several other
businesses in various states related to beer distribution, lodging, warehousing
and travel. Mr. Mourton is Chairman, since 1992, of Razorback Foundation, Inc.,
a nonprofit corporation which supports University of Arkansas athletic programs.
He is also a Board member of the Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, a nonprofit
corporation created by the State of Arkansas to help lower income, rural
Arkansas children obtain college and university educations. Mr. Mourton is 48
years old and was first elected to the Board of Directors in 1995.
CHARLES E. SCHARLAU - Mr. Scharlau is Chairman of the Board of Directors of
the Company. He began his career with the Company as its legal counsel in 1951
and has been involved in all facets of the Company's business for over 47 years.
In 1966 he was named Executive Vice President and first elected a director of
the Company. In 1972 he was elected President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr.
Scharlau retired as Chief Executive Officer on December 31, 1998. Mr. Scharlau
is a director since 1980 of C. H. Heist Corporation, Clearwater, Florida and a
member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas since 1998. Mr.
Scharlau is 71 years old.
Shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors at the annual
meeting may nominate additional candidates provided written notice of such
nomination is received at the Company's principal executive offices no later
than the close of business on April 13, 1999. The Company's by-laws require that
this notice contain certain information about any proposed nominee and the
shareholder submitting the notice. The Company may also require any proposed
nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required to
determine the proposed
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nominee's eligibility to serve as a director of the Company. A copy of the
relevant by-law provisions may be obtained by contacting Mr. Greg D. Kerley,
Secretary, Southwestern Energy Company, 1083 Sain Street, P. O. Box 1408,
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-1408, (501) 521-1141.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors has a standing audit committee (the "Audit
Committee") composed of noncompany members of the Board. The Audit Committee is
responsible to the Board for reviewing the accounting and auditing procedures
and financial reporting practices of the Company and for recommending the
appointment of the independent public accountants. The Audit Committee meets
periodically with the Company's management, internal auditors, and independent
public accountants to review the work of each and to satisfy itself that said
parties are properly discharging their responsibilities. The independent public
accountants have direct access to the Audit Committee and periodically meet with
the Audit Committee without management representatives present. The Audit
Committee is currently composed of Messrs. John Paul Hammerschmidt, Chairman,
Lewis E. Epley, Jr., and Robert L. Howard.
The Board of Directors has a compensation committee (the "Compensation
Committee") which is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors
officer compensation and discretionary awards under the various incentive plans.
Messrs. Robert L. Howard, Chairman, John Paul Hammerschmidt, and Kenneth R.
Mourton presently serve on this committee.
The Board of Directors also has a retirement committee (the "Retirement
Committee") which is responsible for administering the Company's pension and
retirement plans and for recommending retirement policy to the Board of
Directors. Messrs. Charles E. Scharlau, Chairman, Lewis E. Epley, Jr., and
Kenneth R. Mourton presently serve on this committee.
The Company has no standing nominating committee. The Board as a whole
considers candidates for nomination for Board positions. The Board will consider
qualified candidates recommended by shareholders. Any shareholder wishing to
recommend a candidate may do so by letter addressed to Mr. Greg D. Kerley,
Secretary, Southwestern Energy Company, 1083 Sain Street, P. O. Box 1408,
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-1408. Such letter should state in detail the
qualifications of the candidate. Shareholders entitled to vote for the election
of directors at the annual meeting may nominate additional candidates
independent of the Board of Directors. Shareholder nominees to be presented to
the 1999 Annual Meeting must be submitted pursuant to the procedures described
under the subheading, "Nominees For Election." Shareholders entitled to vote for
the election of directors at the 2000 Annual Meeting may present independent
nominees to the 2000 Annual Meeting provided that notice of such nomination is
received at the Company's principal executive offices not less than 50 nor more
than 75 days prior to the 2000 meeting date. If less than 65 days notice of the
2000 Annual Meeting is given, written notice of any such nomination must be
received no later than the close of business on the 15th day following the day
on which notice of the meeting date is mailed. The Company's by-laws require
that this notice contain certain information about any proposed nominee and the
shareholder submitting the notice. The Company may also require any proposed
nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required to
determine the proposed nominee's eligibility to serve as a director of the
Company. A copy of the relevant by-law provisions may be obtained by contacting
Mr. Greg D. Kerley, Secretary, Southwestern Energy Company, 1083 Sain Street, P.
O. Box 1408, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-1408, (501) 521-1141.
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<PAGE>
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
In 1998, for their services as directors, Messrs. John Paul Hammerschmidt,
Robert L. Howard, Kenneth R. Mourton, and Charles E. Scharlau were each paid
$24,000; Lewis E. Epley, Jr. was paid $14,000 and Charles E. Sanders was paid
$10,000. Messrs. E. J. Ball and Charles E. Sanders were paid $6,000 and $3,000,
respectively, for their services as Directors Emeritus. Each outside director
serving as of December 31, 1998, was granted an option to purchase 12,000 shares
of the Company's common stock at $7.00 per share, representing the Fair Market
Value on the date of grant. Such options were granted in tandem with limited
stock appreciation rights, as defined under "Compensation Committee Report," and
become exercisable in installments at a rate of 25% per year for each full
twelve months of service as a director. In addition, each outside member of the
Audit, Compensation, and Retirement Committees is paid $500 per meeting for his
participation on each committee. During 1998, the Board of Directors held ten
meetings, the Audit Committee held two meetings, the Compensation Committee held
five meetings, and the Retirement Committee held one meeting.
Directors who retire with certain qualifications are appointed to the
position of Director Emeritus and are paid a fee of $1,000 per meeting attended.
Mr. Ball was appointed to the position of Director Emeritus upon his retirement
in 1995 and Mr. Sanders was appointed to this position upon his retirement in
1998. Mr. Ball and Mr. Mourton are partners in the law firm of Ball and Mourton,
Ltd., PLLC. During 1998, the Company did not pay any legal fees to Ball and
Mourton, Ltd., PLLC.
5
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following persons were known by the Company to beneficially own more
than 5% of the Company's common stock as of March 17, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and
Nature of Percent
Name and Address of Beneficial of
Title of Class Beneficial Owner Ownership Class
-------------- ---------------------------------- ------------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock..... Heartland Advisors, Inc. 2,331,000<F1> 9.35%
790 North Milwaukee Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Common Stock..... State Street Research & Management 1,829,800<F2> 7.34%
Company
One Financial Center
30th Floor
Boston, MA 02111-2690
Common Stock..... Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. 1,747,755<F3> 7.01%
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10153-0002
Common Stock..... Fidelity Management and Research 1,500,000<F4> 6.02%
Company
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109-3605
1,293,200<F5> 5.19%
Common Stock..... Dimensional Fund Advisors
1299 Ocean Avenue,
11th Floor,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
- ------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Heartland Advisors, Inc. (Heartland) is an investment advisor registered
under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Heartland holds sole voting
power on 1,183,700 shares and sole dispositive power on 2,331,000 shares.
<F2> State Street Research & Management Company (State Street) is an investment
advisor registered pursuant to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and
holds the reported shares on behalf of its clients. State Street holds
sole voting power on 1,691,400 shares and sole dispositive power on
1,829,800 shares. State Street disclaims beneficial ownership on all
shares.
<F3> Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. (Bernstein) is an investment advisor
registered under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Bernstein holds the
reported shares on behalf of its clients. Bernstein has sole voting power
on 1,411,100 shares, shared voting power on 34,055 shares, and sole
dispositive power on 1,747,755 shares.
<F4> Fidelity Management and Research Company (Fidelity) is an investment
advisor registered under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp. Fidelity acts as investment advisor
to various investment companies registered under the
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Investment Company Act of 1940, including Fidelity Low Priced Stock Fund
which holds 1,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Edward C.
Johnson, III, as Chairman of FMR Corp., has the sole power to dispose of
these shares. Voting power is held by the Board of Trustees of the
Fidelity Low Priced Stock Fund. Members of Mr. Johnson's family, including
Abigail P. Johnson, and trusts for their benefit, are the predominant
owners of stock representing approximately 49% of the voting power of FMR
Corp., and may be deemed, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to be
a controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
<F5> Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc., is an investment advisor registered under
the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc.,
holds sole voting and dispositive power on all shares. Dimensional Fund
Advisors, Inc., disclaims beneficial ownership of all such securities.
</FN>
</TABLE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS, NOMINEES,
AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information as of March 17, 1999, with
respect to beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock by its directors
and executive officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares of $.10
Par Value Common Stock
Beneficially Owned as of 3-17-99
(Sole Voting and Investment Percent
Name of Beneficial Owner Power Except as Noted) <F1> of Class
------------------------ ---------------------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Executive Officers:
Charles E. Scharlau................................... 738,502 2.96%
Harold M. Korell...................................... 259,532 1.04%
Stanley D. Green...................................... 42,208 .17%
Alan H. Stevens....................................... 140,974 .56%
Greg D. Kerley ....................................... 116,573 .47%
Debbie J. Branch...................................... 39,175 .16%
Directors and Nominees:
Lewis E. Epley, Jr.................................... 24,555 .10%
John Paul Hammerschmidt............................... 72,000 .29%
Robert L. Howard...................................... 50,000 .20%
Kenneth R. Mourton.................................... 49,000 .20%
All persons as a group (10 in number) who are directors,
nominees or executive officers of the Company............ 1,532,519<F2> 6.15%
- ------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Of the number of shares reported as beneficially owned, the named
individuals had the right to acquire within 60 days, through the exercise
of stock options, beneficial ownership of the following number of shares:
Mr. Scharlau, 221,996; Mr. Korell, 33,333; Mr. Stevens, 33,334; Mr.
Kerley, 23,497; Ms. Branch, 6,700; Mr. Hammerschmidt, 42,000; and 18,000
each for Messrs. Howard and Mourton. Included in the number of shares
reported as beneficially owned are the rights of the named individuals to
acquire the following number of shares through the exercise of stock
options immediately upon a "change in control" as defined under
"Agreements Concerning Employment and Changes in Control" on page 16 of
the Proxy
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<PAGE>
Statement: Mr. Scharlau, 319,000; Mr. Korell, 141,667; Mr. Stevens,
86,666; Mr. Kerley, 78,900; Ms. Branch, 20,000; 30,000 each for Messrs.
Hammerschmidt, Howard and Mourton; and 12,000 for Mr. Epley, Jr. Also
included in the number of shares reported as beneficially owned are the
following restricted shares with respect to which the named individuals
have voting power but not investment power: Mr. Korell, 34,425; Mr.
Stevens, 13,000; Mr. Kerley, 5,638 and Ms. Branch, 6,203. The named
individuals acquire investment power for these shares immediately upon a
"change in control."
<F2> Of this number, all directors and executive officers as a group had the
right to acquire beneficial ownership of 396,860 shares through the
exercise of stock options within 60 days. Also included in this number is
this group's right to acquire an additional 748,233 shares through the
exercise of stock options immediately upon a "change in control" as
defined under "Agreements Concerning Employment and Changes in Control" on
page 16 of this Proxy Statement.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Transactions With Nominees and Executive Officers
During 1998, the Company and related entities paid $53,503 to the law firm
of Conner and Winters of Tulsa, Oklahoma, for certain legal services. Mr. Greg
Scharlau, Mr. Scharlau's son, is a partner in Conner and Winters.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Compensation Philosophy
In determining the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO")
and the other executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, the
Compensation Committee seeks to align compensation with the attainment of the
Company's objectives, the Company's performance, and the attraction and
retention of individuals who contribute to the Company's success. For the CEO
and the other named executive officers, the Compensation Committee makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors, and final compensation decisions are
made by the full Board. The Compensation Committee believes that compensation
should:
- relate to the value created for shareholders by being directly tied
to the financial performance and condition of the Company and the
particular executive officer's contribution thereto;
- reward individuals who help the Company achieve its short-term and
long-term objectives and thereby contribute significantly to the
success of the Company;
- help to attract and retain the most qualified individuals in the
natural gas and oil and gas producing industries by being competitive
with compensation paid to persons having similar responsibilities and
duties in other companies in the same and closely related industries;
and
- reflect the qualifications, skills, experience, and responsibilities
of the particular executive officer.
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<PAGE>
In determining executive compensation, the Company uses peer group
comparisons. The industry group indices shown in the performance chart reported
in this Proxy Statement include a number of the companies that are used for
compensation analysis. Compensation packages are targeted to the median of the
range of compensation paid by comparable companies. Executive compensation paid
by the Company during 1998 generally corresponded to the 50th percentile of
compensation paid by comparable companies.
Changes made to the Internal Revenue Code in 1993 could potentially limit
the ability of the Company to deduct, for federal income tax purposes, certain
compensation in excess of $1,000,000 per year paid to individuals named in the
summary compensation table. This limitation became effective in 1994. The
Company believes that all compensation paid in 1998 will be fully deductible.
Further, none of the named individuals received compensation in excess of
$1,000,000 during 1998. If, in the future, it appears that the compensation paid
to a named individual may be in excess of limitations imposed on deductibility
for federal income tax purposes, the Company will seek ways to maximize the
deductibility of compensation payments without compromising the Company's or the
Compensation Committee's flexibility in designing effective compensation plans
that can meet the Company's objectives and respond quickly to marketplace needs.
Although the Compensation Committee will from time to time review the
advisability of making changes in compensation plans to reflect changes in
government-mandated policies, it will not do so unless it feels that such
changes are in the best interest of the Company and/or its stockholders.
Components of Compensation
Base Salary. In establishing the base salaries of the CEO and the other
executive officers, the Compensation Committee examines competitive peer group
surveys and data in order to determine whether the total compensation package is
competitive with compensation offered by other companies in the natural gas and
oil and gas producing industries which are similar in terms of the complexity of
their operations and which offer the most direct competition for competent
executives. The Compensation Committee also takes into account the Company's
financial and operating performance as compared with the industry mean and the
individual performance of the Company's executives as compared to the
Compensation Committee's expectations of performance for top level executives in
general. The Compensation Committee also considers the diverse skills required
of its executive management to expand the exploration and production segment of
its operations while maintaining satisfactory performance in the highly
regulated gas distribution segment. In addition, the Compensation Committee
considers the particular executive's performance, responsibilities,
qualifications, and experience in the natural gas industry. The Compensation
Committee is periodically advised by outside compensation consultants on its
compensation policies and receives evaluations from the appropriate level of
management concerning the performance of executives within their range of
reporting responsibilities.
The minimum base salary for Mr. Scharlau and Mr. Korell have been
incorporated into employment agreements as further described under the heading
"Agreements Concerning Employment and Changes in Control." Changes in base
salary also affect other elements of compensation including: (i) awards under
the Company's Incentive Compensation Plan, (ii) pension benefits, (iii) Company
matching portions of 401(k) and Nonqualified Plan contributions, and (iv) life
insurance and disability benefits.
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<PAGE>
Incentive Compensation Plan. The Company maintains an Incentive
Compensation Plan (the "Incentive Plan") applicable to executives with
responsibility for the Company's major business segments. The Incentive Plan is
intended to encourage and reward the achievement of (1) year-to-year growth in
the Company's actual reported earnings, (2) returns on equity which are above
industry averages, (3) cash flow targets, (4) production, reserve addition, and
investment goals in the exploration and production group, (5) return on utility
rate base, and (6) gas marketing margins. These criteria are deemed by the
Compensation Committee to be critical to increasing shareholder value, and the
applicability of each of these criteria in determining awards to any particular
executive depends on the responsibilities of that executive. A portion of each
award under the Incentive Plan is an automatic award based upon the achievement
of these corporate financial objectives, and a portion is discretionary based on
a subjective evaluation of the executive's performance by the Compensation
Committee. The Incentive Plan is also designed to assist in the attraction and
retention of qualified employees, to further link the financial interest and
objectives of employees with those of the Company, and to foster accountability
and teamwork throughout the Company.
The CEO and the executive officers have responsibilities directly affecting
the Company's operation and are assigned target, minimum, and maximum award
levels expressed as a percentage of their base salary. In 1998, the target
awards which could be paid based on attainment of corporate performance measures
ranged from 22.5% to 30% of base salary for these individuals, the minimum
awards ranged from 11.25% to 15% of base salary, and the maximum awards which
could be paid ranged from 45% to 60% of base salary. None of these awards are
paid if corporate performance as determined by the corporate performance
measures is below a specified level. In addition, the participating executives
are eligible for discretionary awards based upon their individual performance
ranging from 6% to 30% of base salary. Payouts under the Incentive Plan are
based on the achievement of corporate financial profit objectives, business unit
results, and the Committee's evaluation of individual performance. Awards are
payable in cash, restricted common stock of the Company, or a combination of
cash and restricted common stock. Restricted common stock awarded under the
Incentive Plan is subject to the provisions of the Company's 1993 Stock
Incentive Plan, discussed below, and counts toward the aggregate number of
shares authorized under that plan.
Generally, when multiple factors are considered to measure the performance
of the Company's executives, such factors are equally weighted in determining
the Company performance portion of an executive's bonus. In determining
automatic awards under the Incentive Plan for the CEO and certain of the named
executive officers, the Compensation Committee examines (1) the Company's return
on equity as compared to the performance of a peer group of the Company as
indicated by The Value Line Investment Survey group of natural gas (diversified)
companies, (2) the increase in actual reported earnings per share over the
previous year, and (3) achievement of a cash flow target for the Company.
Because these factors are weighted equally, proportionate awards are made if
targets for at least one of the factors are met. In 1998, the return on equity
and earnings per share minimum performance levels were not met, but the cash
flow performance measure was achieved. Discretionary awards for these executives
are based on a subjective evaluation of the executive's performance by the
Compensation Committee. Discretionary awards may be influenced by the
performance of individual business segments, but are primarily intended to
provide an incentive to recognize exceptional performance by an individual.
10
<PAGE>
Stock Incentive Plan. The CEO and other executive officers are also
eligible to participate in the Company's 1993 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Stock
Plan"). The Stock Plan is designed to attract and retain key executive employees
by enabling them to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and by tying
executive rewards to shareholder interests. The Stock Plan provides for the
granting of restricted stock, phantom stock, stock bonuses, options to purchase
common stock of the Company, and limited, tandem, and stand-alone stock
appreciation rights in such amounts as determined by the Compensation Committee
on a discretionary basis. Limited stock appreciation rights are exercisable only
upon a change in control and provide for certain cash payments in lieu of the
exercise of the stock options to which they relate. Grants relating to 1998
performance were made at a price equal to the Fair Market Value on the date of
grant. In addition, the Stock Plan provides for the granting of cash bonuses in
connection with awards of restricted stock and stock bonuses when a participant
is required to recognize income for federal or state income tax purposes with
respect to such awards. The number of shares of the $.10 par value common stock
of the Company which may be issued under the Stock Plan cannot exceed 1,700,000,
subject to adjustment in the event of any change in the outstanding common stock
of the Company by reason of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization,
reclassification, merger, consolidation, combination, or exchange of shares, or
any other similar event. In determining the options granted to executive
officers under the Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee considers a number of
factors in addition to considering the goals of attracting and retaining such
officers and tying their rewards to shareholder interests. The number of options
and restricted shares awarded in fiscal 1998 were based partially upon an
analysis of the value of long-term incentive plan awards made by the Company's
competitive peer group. The Compensation Committee also evaluated the
performance of the Company, the performance and responsibility of the particular
executive, and the desirability of providing a particular executive with an
adequate incentive to remain in the employ of the Company.
In 1993, the annual component of the Company's former Annual and Long-Term
Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Prior Plan") was replaced by the Company's
Incentive Compensation Plan, discussed above. The long-term component of the
Prior Plan was replaced by the Stock Incentive Plan for performance periods
beginning after January 1, 1993. Payouts of awards previously granted and
payouts of awards related to five-year performance periods ending each year
through December 31, 1997, will continue to be made under the Prior Plan through
2001. Key employees were selected annually to participate in the Prior Plan
based on their ability to have a significant impact on the performance of the
Company. Under the long-term incentive component of the Prior Plan, cash awards
were based on the Company's performance during overlapping five-year periods. A
new five-year performance period began each year on January 1, with the final
five-year performance period beginning January 1, 1993. For all participants,
awards were based equally on the compounded five-year growth in earnings per
share and the cumulative five-year return on equity. Any award earned was
payable at the rate of 20% per year, commencing at the end of each five-year
performance cycle.
Mr. Scharlau's base salary remained at $450,000 for two years (1995-1996)
prior to being increased to $468,000 for 1997 and 1998. Mr. Scharlau's annual
base salary remains at $468,000 until May 18, 1999, at which time Mr. Scharlau
will retire as a full-time employee of the Company. See "Agreements Concerning
Employment and Changes in Control" on page 16 of this Proxy Statement. Mr.
Scharlau has a targeted annual bonus award of 50% of base salary, with minimum
and maximum awards of 20% and 80%, respectively, depending upon the achievement
11
<PAGE>
of corporate performance measures. Of these awards, a portion is an automatic
award based upon the achievement of the corporate financial objectives relating
to earnings per share growth, return on equity, and cash flow as described under
the subheading, "Incentive Compensation Plan" above, and a portion is
discretionary based on a subjective evaluation of Mr. Scharlau's performance by
the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors and may be influenced by
the performance of individual business segments. The Company's attainment of the
cash flow performance measure in 1998 resulted in Mr. Scharlau being awarded a
bonus of $70,663, or 15% of his base salary. Mr. Scharlau was also awarded a
discretionary bonus of $29,337.
In 1998, Mr. Scharlau was awarded options to purchase 12,000 shares of the
Company's common stock under the Stock Plan, as described above. The options
vest at the end of three years or immediately upon his retirement or a change in
control. Limited stock appreciation rights were granted in tandem with these
options. The number of options awarded Mr. Scharlau in 1998 corresponded to the
number of options awarded the Company's independent directors.
In addition to the factors described above, in determining the salary and
other forms of compensation for Mr. Scharlau, the Compensation Committee took
into consideration Mr. Scharlau's substantial experience (47 years) and standing
in the industry in general and with the Company in particular.
ROBERT L. HOWARD
JOHN PAUL HAMMERSCHMIDT
KENNETH R. MOURTON
Members of the Compensation Committee
12
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table contains information with respect to executive
compensation paid or set aside by the Company for services in all capacities
during the years 1996, 1997, and 1998 of the CEO, the next four most highly paid
executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, and a former executive
officer of the Company whose direct aggregate remuneration exceeded $100,000 in
1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term Compensation
--------------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
-------------------------------- ---------------------- --------
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i)
Other Restricted Securities
Annual Stock Underlying LTIP All Other
Salary Bonus Compensation Awards Options/ Payouts Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year ($) ($) ($) ($)<F3> SARs (#) ($) ($)
- ----------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ------------ ---------- ---------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles E. Scharlau 1998 $468,000 $100,000 $ 7,380 $ - 12,000 $123,535 $ 40,792<F4>
Chairman of the Board, 1997 468,000 40,000 7,380 - 82,000 157,807 40,792
Chief Executive Officer 1996 450,000 174,556 7,380 - 25,000 165,362 40,146
and Director <F1>
Harold M. Korell 1998 329,167 135,000 28,405<F5> 26,947 75,000 - 12,032<F6>
President, Chief Operating 1997 186,506 80,000 274,675 342,125 100,000 - 33,076
Officer and Director <F1> 1996 - - - - - - -
Stanley D. Green 1998 176,811<F7> - 3,868 - - 27,664 439,311<F8>
Executive Vice President - 1997 270,000 80,000 120,020 92,125 50,000 34,304 10,703
Finance and Corporate 1996 255,000 96,463 67,445 92,828 13,600 34,382 9,869
Development
Alan H. Stevens 1998 250,000 125,000 133,004<F9> 215,063 120,000 - 67,400<F10>
Senior Vice President, 1997 - - - - - - -
Southwestern Energy 1996 - - - - - - -
Production Company and
SEECO, Inc. <F2>
Greg D. Kerley 1998 203,875 90,000 21,878<F11> 21,938 20,000 2,446 7,305<F12>
Senior Vice President and 1997 169,600 40,000 31,841 35,875 11,100 2,446 6,088
Chief Financial Officer 1996 160,000 55,175 13,121 12,413 4,700 1,620 5,710
Debbie J. Branch 1998 175,000 65,000 30,485<F13> 10,969 11,100 - 6,279<F14>
Senior Vice President, 1997 156,000 78,000 53,374 35,875 11,100 - 5,597
Southwestern Energy 1996 75,000 25,000 5,353 106,200 4,500 - 36,368
Services Company and
Southwestern Energy
Pipeline Company <F2>
- ------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Effective January 1, 1999, in accordance with the Company's planned
succession strategy Mr. Korell succeeded Mr. Scharlau as Chief Executive
Officer.
<F2> Southwestern Energy Production Company, SEECO, Inc., Southwestern Energy
Services Company, and Southwestern Energy Pipeline Company are
wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
<F3> Restricted stock awards for Mr. Korell, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Kerley, and
Ms. Branch relating to 1998 performance vest ratably over three years. In
connection with the employment of Mr. Stevens in 1998, he was awarded
15,000 shares of restricted stock which vests ratably over
13
<PAGE>
three years. Restricted stock awards for Mr. Korell, Mr. Kerley, and Ms.
Branch relating to 1997 performance vest ratably over three years. In
connection with the employment of Mr. Korell in 1997, he was awarded
20,000 shares of restricted stock which vests at the end of three years.
Restricted stock awards for Mr. Kerley and Ms. Branch relating to 1996
performance vest ratably over five years. In connection with the
employment of Ms. Branch in 1996, she was awarded 7,200 shares of
restricted stock which vests ratably over three years. The value of all
nonvested restricted shares held by Messrs. Korell, Stevens, Kerley and
Ms. Branch at December 31, 1998, was $233,975, $91,000, $39,466, and
$43,421, respectively. Dividends are paid on all restricted stock.
<F4> Includes $24,000 of director fees, $14,040 as the Company matching portion
of Nonqualified Plan contributions, and $2,752 as the cost of life
insurance.
<F5> Includes $21,025 as a bonus for the payment of income taxes related to the
restricted stock grants made during 1998.
<F6> Includes $9,875 as the Company matching portion of Nonqualified Plan
contributions, $1,911 as the cost of life insurance, and $246 of moving
expenses.
<F7> Represents salary and services rendered from January 1, 1998, through
July 16, 1998.
<F8> Includes $5,304 as the Company matching portion of Nonqualified Plan
contributions, $1,012 as the cost of life insurance, and the following
amounts paid to Mr. Green in connection with his resignation: $178,919 of
taxable income related to the cash surrender value of life insurance under
a split dollar life insurance plan, $34,740 for awards earned under a
previous compensation plan, $98,336 related to consulting services, and a
$121,000 cash payment. (See "Agreements Concerning Employment and Changes
in Control" on page 16 of this Proxy Statement for further information).
<F9> Includes $125,624 as a bonus for the payment of income taxes related to
the restricted stock grants made during 1998.
<F10> Includes $54,912 of moving and relocation expenses, $4,063 as the
Company matching portion of Nonqualified Plan contributions, $1,348 as the
cost of life insurance, and $7,077 of imputed interest income related to a
$125,000 loan the Company made to Mr. Stevens in connection with his
employment. Under the terms of the loan agreement, the $125,000 loan is
forgiven at the rate of 20% per year over five years.
<F11> Includes $14,920 as a bonus for the payment of income taxes related to
the restricted stock grants made during 1998.
<F12> Includes $6,116 as the Company matching portion of Nonqualified Plan
contributions, and $1,189 as the cost of life insurance.
<F13> Includes $7,460 as a bonus for the payment of income taxes related to the
restricted stock grants made during 1998 and $16,425 as a bonus for the
payment of income taxes related to the 1996 restricted stock grant which
vested during 1998.
<F14> Includes $5,250 as the Company matching portion of 401(k) and Nonqualified
Plan contributions and $1,029 as the cost of life insurance.
</FN>
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Stock
Price Appreciation for
Individual Grants Option Term <F3>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h)
% of Total
Number of Options/
Securities SARs
Underlying Granted to Exercise
Options/ Employees or Base
SARs in Fiscal Price Expiration
Name Granted<F1> Year ($/Sh)<F2> Date 0%($) 5%($) 10%($)
---- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles E. Scharlau . . 12,000 2.7% $ 7.3125 9/11/2008 $ - $ 55,186 $ 139,851
Harold M. Korell. . . . 75,000 16.8% $ 7.3125 9/11/2008 - 344,909 874,068
Stanley D. Green. . . . - - - - - - -
Alan H. Stevens . . . . 100,000 22.4% $11.9375 1/2/2008 - 750,743 1,902,530
20,000 4.5% $ 7.3125 9/11/2008 - 91,976 233,085
Greg D. Kerley. . . . . 20,000 4.5% $ 7.3125 9/11/2008 - 91,976 233,085
Debbie J. Branch. . . . 11,100 2.5% $ 7.3125 9/11/2008 - 51,047 129,362
- ------------------------
<FN>
<F1> All 1998 grants, except those to Mr. Scharlau, vest and become
exercisable ratably over three years beginning one year from the date of
grant or immediately upon a "change in control." The 1998 grant to Mr.
Scharlau vests at the earlier of three years from the date of the grant or
at retirement, or immediately upon a "change in control," and is
exercisable three years from the date of grant or immediately upon a
"change in control." All 1998 grants expire after ten years from the date
of grant but may expire earlier upon termination of employment. Limited
stock appreciation rights were granted in tandem with all options granted
in 1998.
<F2> The exercise price reflects the fair market value of the Company's common
stock on the date of grant.
<F3> Realizable values are reported net of the option exercise price, but
before taxes associated with exercise. The dollar amounts shown are the
result of calculations using 0%, 5% and 10% rates of appreciation from the
exercise price as specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission and
are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the
Company's stock price. The assumed annual appreciation of 5% and 10% on
the options granted at $7.3125 would result in the price of the Company's
stock increasing to $11.91 and $18.97, respectively. Realization by
optionees of the amounts shown are dependent on future increases in the
price of the Company's common stock and the continued employment of the
optionee with the Company. The options have no value if the Company's
common stock does not appreciate, as shown in the 0% column.
</FN>
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money Options/SARs
Options/SARs at FY-End (#) at FY-End ($) <F3>
Shares ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Acquired on Value
Name Exercise (#) Realized ($)<F1> Exercisable<F2> Unexercisable<F2> Exercisable<F2> Unexercisable<F2>
- ---------------------- ------------ ---------------- --------------- ----------------- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles E. Scharlau. . 11,100 $37,925 221,996 319,000 - $ 2,250
Harold M. Korell . . . - - 33,333 141,667 - 14,063
Stanley D. Green . . . - - - - - -
Alan H. Stevens. . . . - - - 120,000 - 3,750
Greg D. Kerley . . . . - - 23,497 78,900 - 3,750
Debbie J. Branch . . . - - 6,700 20,000 - 2,081
- ------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Reflects the difference between exercise price and issuance price on the
number of shares exercised. All of the options exercised were granted in
1988 and would have expired in December, 1998 if not exercised.
<F2> Except those to Mr. Scharlau, all 1998 grants, all 1997 grants, all 1996
grants issued at $14.75, and all 1995 grants vest and become exercisable
ratably over three years beginning one year from the date of grant or
immediately upon a "change in control." All 1995 through 1998 grants to
Mr. Scharlau vest at the earlier of three years from the date of the grant
or at retirement, or immediately upon a "change in control" and are
exercisable three years from the date of grant or immediately upon a
"change in control." All 1994 grants vest and become exercisable ratably
over the four year period beginning six years from the date of grant or
sooner upon achievement of certain performance objectives, upon a "change
in control" as defined under "Agreements Concerning Employment and Changes
in Control" on page 16 of the Proxy Statement, or upon retirement. All
grants made prior to 1993 are presently exercisable and expire on the
earlier of (a) ten years and one day from the date of grant, or (b)
termination of employment other than for retirement due to age or
disability. All 1993 through 1998 grants expire after ten years from the
date of grant but may expire earlier upon termination of employment.
Limited stock appreciation rights were granted in tandem with all options
granted in 1993 through 1998.
<F3> Values are calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the
options/LSARs and the market value of the Company's common stock as of
December 31, 1998 ($7.50/share).
</FN>
</TABLE>
Agreements Concerning Employment and Changes in Control
On May 21, 1998, the Company entered into an employment and consulting
agreement with Mr. Scharlau under which Mr. Scharlau shall perform services as a
full-time employee of the Company as designated by the Board of Directors until
the Company's annual meeting on May 18, 1999, and as an advisor and consultant
to the Company commencing May 18, 1999 through May 31, 2002. Mr. Scharlau will
be paid $468,000 per annum for his services as a full-time employee and $234,000
per annum for his services as an advisor and consultant. Effective January 1,
1999, in accordance with the Company's planned succession strategy, Mr. Korell
succeeded Mr. Scharlau as Chief Executive Officer. On April 28, 1997, the
Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with Mr. Korell under
which Mr. Korell will be paid a
16
<PAGE>
minimum base salary of $275,000 per year and will be entitled to participate
in any of the Company's compensation or benefit plans for which he otherwise
qualifies. Mr. Korell also was appointed a director October 28, 1998.
On August 4, 1989, the Company entered into Severance Agreements with
Messrs. Scharlau and Green. Effective February 17, 1999, the Company entered
into amended Severance Agreements with Messrs. Korell, Stevens, Kerley, and Ms.
Branch which replaced substantially similar severance agreements which were
currently in place. The Severance Agreements provide that if within three years
after a "change in control" of the Company the officer's employment is
terminated by the Company without cause, the officer is entitled to a payment
equal to the product of 2.99 and the officer's "base amount". "Base amount" is
defined as base salary as of the executive's termination date plus the maximum
bonus opportunity available to the executive under the Incentive Compensation
Plan. In addition, the officer will be entitled to continued participation in
certain insurance plans and fringe benefits from the date of the termination of
employment until the earliest of (a) the expiration of three years, (b) death,
or (c) the date he or she is afforded a comparable benefit at comparable cost by
a subsequent employer.
Mr. Scharlau also is entitled to the severance benefits described above if
within three years after a "change in control" he voluntarily terminates
employment with the Company for any reason. Messrs. Korell, Stevens, Kerley, and
Ms. Branch are also entitled to the severance benefits described above if within
three years after a "change in control" they voluntarily terminate employment
with the Company for "good reason."
For purposes of the severance agreements, a "change in control" includes
(i) the acquisition by any person (other than, in certain cases, an employee of
the Company) of 20% or more of the Company's voting securities, (ii) approval by
the Company's shareholders of an agreement to merge or consolidate the Company
with another corporation (other than certain corporations controlled by or under
common control with the Company), (iii) certain changes in the composition of
the Board of Directors of the Company, (iv) any change in control which would be
required to be reported to the shareholders of the Company in a proxy statement
and (v) a determination by a majority of the Board of Directors that there has
been a "change in control" or that there will be a "change in control" upon the
occurrence of certain specified events and such events occur. "Good reason"
includes (i) a reduction in the employee's employment status or
responsibilities, (ii) a reduction in the employee's base salary, (iii) a change
in the employee's principal work location, and (iv) certain adverse changes in
the Company's incentive or other benefit plans.
As of July 16, 1998, Mr. Green resigned from the Company which resulted in
the cancellation of his Severance Agreement. In connection with his resignation,
the Company paid Mr. Green a lump sum of $121,000. The Company agreed to pay Mr.
Green $34,740 for awards earned under the Company's former Annual and Long-Term
Incentive Compensation Plan. The Company also agreed to pay the cost to continue
Mr. Green's health insurance for up to eighteen months. All unvested restricted
stock (22,604 shares) was vested, and all options held by Mr. Green to purchase
Company stock (options on 244,316 shares) were cancelled. The Company agreed to
contract with Mr. Green for consulting services for a period of three years and
compensate him in 36 monthly installments of $24,584 commencing August 10, 1998.
These consulting services primarily relate to certain regulatory and legal
matters. The Company also released its rights in a split dollar life insurance
policy purchased for Mr. Green related to its Supplemental Executive
17
<PAGE>
Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The split dollar life insurance policy, which had a
cash surrender value of $178,369, was released to Mr. Green in full and complete
settlement of any obligations the Company has to Mr. Green under the SERP.
The Company's 1993 Stock Incentive Plan provides that all outstanding stock
options and all limited, tandem, and stand-alone stock appreciation rights
become exercisable immediately upon a "change in control." The Stock Plan also
provides that all shares of restricted and phantom stock which have not
previously vested or been canceled or forfeited shall vest immediately upon a
"change in control." For purposes of the Stock Plan, a "change in control" has
the same meaning contained in the Company's Severance Agreements as defined
above.
The Company's Incentive Compensation Plan adopted in 1993 provides that all
restrictions on shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Incentive
Plan shall lapse upon a "change in control," as defined in the Company's
Severance Agreements. This plan also provides that upon a participant's
termination of employment under certain conditions on or after a "change in
control" all determined but unpaid incentive awards shall be paid immediately,
and any undetermined awards shall be determined and paid based on projected
performance factors calculated in accordance with the plan.
The Company's Annual and Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Prior
Plan") provides that:
(a) Upon a participant's involuntary termination of employment other
than for cause, or voluntary termination for "good reason" on or
after a "change of control" or as otherwise provided in a
severance agreement between the participant and the Company, all
determined but unpaid incentive awards shall be paid immediately,
and any undetermined awards shall be determined and paid based on
projected performance factors calculated in accordance with the
plan; and
(b) On or after a "change in control," all awards accrued but unpaid
and all awards thereafter accrued shall be 100% vested and
nonforfeitable; and
(c) On or after a "change in control," the Compensation Committee of
the Company's Board of Directors and the Company's Chief Executive
Officer as they existed immediately prior to such "change in
control" shall retain their authority to administer the plan.
For purposes of the Prior Plan, the terms "change in control" and "good reason"
have the meanings contained in the Company's Severance Agreements as defined
above.
18
<PAGE>
STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART
The following chart compares for the last five years, the performance of
the Company's common stock to the S&P 500 Index, the S&P Smallcap 600 Index, the
Value Line Natural Gas, Diversified, Industry Index, and the Dow Jones Oil -
Secondary Index. The Chart assumes that the value of the investment in the
Company's common stock and each index was $100 at December 31, 1993, and that
all dividends were reinvested. In prior years, this chart has compared the
performance of the Company's common stock only to the S&P 500 Index and the
Value Line Natural Gas, Diversified, Industry Index. This year, the Company has
elected to include the S&P Smallcap 600 Index, as a replacement to the S&P 500
Index, because the Company is included within this index by S&P and because it
better reflects the performance of companies with market capitalizations similar
to the Company's.
The Company has also elected to include the Dow Jones Oil - Secondary Index
because the Company has positioned itself to focus predominantly on natural gas
and oil exploration and production as a means of growth and adding shareholder
value while remaining committed to achieving its authorized rate of return on
its investment in the natural gas utility business. Many of the companies
included in the Value Line Natural Gas, Diversified, Industry Index are
substantially more diversified into other elements of the oil and gas industry
than is the Company. The Dow Jones Oil - Secondary Index is more indicative of
the performance of companies that focus primarily on natural gas and oil
exploration and production and better reflects the risks and rewards of the
Company's investment in this business. The Company believes that viewing these
two indices together provides a more accurate picture of the performance of the
industries in which the Company is invested than would either index alone.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Southwestern Energy Company 100 84 73 88 77 46
S&P 500 Index (old) 100 101 139 171 229 294
S&P Smallcap 600 Index (new) 100 95 124 150 189 186
Value Line Natural Gas, Diversified, Industry Index 100 94 126 163 182 176
Dow Jones Oil - Secondary Index (new) 100 96 112 138 147 107
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
Pension Plans
Prior to January 1, 1998, the Company maintained a traditional defined
benefit plan (the "Pension Plan") with benefits payable based upon average final
compensation and years of service. Effective January 1, 1998, the Company
amended its Pension Plan to become a "cash balance" plan on a prospective basis
for its non-bargaining employees. A cash balance plan provides benefits based
upon a fixed percentage of an employee's annual compensation.
Employees who were participants in the Pension Plan as of January 1, 1998
are entitled to annual benefits payable upon retirement based upon current
remuneration and years of service through December 31, 1997 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PENSION PLAN TABLE
Years of Service Through December 31, 1997
-------------------------------------------------------------
Remuneration 5 10 15 20 30 40
- ------------ ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$150,000 $11,250 $22,500 $ 33,750 $ 45,000 $ 67,500 $ 90,000
180,000 13,500 27,000 40,500 54,000 81,000 108,000
210,000 15,750 31,500 47,250 63,000 94,500 126,000
240,000 18,000 36,000 54,000 72,000 108,000 144,000
270,000 20,250 40,500 60,750 81,000 121,500 162,000
300,000 22,500 45,000 67,500 90,000 135,000 180,000
330,000 24,750 49,500 74,250 99,000 148,500 198,000
360,000 27,000 54,000 81,000 108,000 162,000 216,000
390,000 29,250 58,500 87,750 117,000 175,500 234,000
420,000 31,500 63,000 94,500 126,000 189,000 252,000
450,000 33,750 67,500 101,250 135,000 202,500 270,000
480,000 36,000 72,000 108,000 144,000 216,000 288,000
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years of Current
Credited Service Remuneration
Through Covered Under
Name 12/31/97 the Plans<F1>
---- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Charles E. Scharlau. . . . . . . 40 $468,000
Harold M. Korell . . . . . . . . 1 329,167
Stanley D. Green . . . . . . . . 16 176,811<F2>
Alan H. Stevens. . . . . . . . . - 250,000
Greg D. Kerley . . . . . . . . . 8 203,875
Debbie J. Branch . . . . . . . . 2 175,000
- ----------------
<FN>
<F1> The Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") limits both the amount of
compensation that may be used for purposes of calculating a participant's
Pension Plan benefit and the maximum annual benefit payable to a
participant under the Pension Plan. For the 1998 plan year, (i) a
participant's compensation in excess of $160,000 is disregarded for
purposes of determining average compensation and (ii) the maximum annual
Pension Plan benefit permitted under the Code is $130,000. The numbers
presented in the table disregard these limitations because the Company's
Supplemental Retirement Plan ("SERP"), discussed below, provides
participants with a supplemental retirement benefit to compensate them for
the limitation on benefits imposed by the Code.
<F2> Represents salary and services rendered from January 1, 1998, through
July 16, 1998.
</FN>
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
The Company's Pension Plan provides for defined benefits to eligible
officers and employees in the event of retirement at a specified age based on
number of years of service through December 31, 1997 and average monthly
compensation during the five years of highest pay in the last ten years before
terminating.
Under the cash balance provisions of the Pension Plan, which became
effective January 1, 1998, each participant has an account, for recordkeeping
purposes only, to which credits are allocated annually based upon a percentage
of the participants remuneration. The applicable percentage is equal to 6% plus
an additional percentage for participants in the Pension Plan as of January 1,
1998. The additional percentage is based upon a participant's age, and is
designed to approximate any lost benefits due to the change to a cash balance
plan. The additional percentage is equal to 6.0% for Mr. Scharlau, 4.8% for Mr.
Korell, 3.9% for Mr. Green, 3.7% for Mr. Kerley and 4.1% for Ms. Branch.
All balances in the cash balance account also earn a fixed rate of interest
which is credited annually. The interest rate for a particular year is the
annual rate of interest of the 30-year treasury securities for November of the
prior year. Interest is credited as long as the participant's balance remains in
the Pension Plan.
At retirement or termination of employment, the vested amount credited to a
participant is payable to the participant in the form of a lump sum or in
lifetime monthly payments. The estimated annual benefit payable upon retirement
related to the cash balance provisions of the Pension Plan and SERP at December
31, 1998, is $1,844 for Mr. Scharlau, $48,254 for Mr. Korell, $18,902 for Mr.
Stevens, $71,230 for Mr. Kerley and $46,231 for Ms. Branch. These projections
are based on the following assumptions; (1) participant remains employed until
age 65; (2) the 1998 remuneration remains constant; and (3) interest credit of
5.25% for all years.
On May 31, 1989, the Company adopted a Supplemental Retirement Plan which
provides benefits equal to the amount which would be payable under the Pension
Plan in the absence of certain limitations of the Code, less the amount actually
paid under the Pension Plan. In the event of a "change in control" as defined
under "Agreements Concerning Employment and Changes in Control" on page 16 of
the Proxy Statement, the benefits of a participant then employed by the Company
would be determined as if the participant had credit for three additional years
of service.
The remuneration covered by the Pension Plan includes wages and salaries
but excludes incentive awards, bonuses, and fees. The benefit amounts listed
above are not subject to any deductions for Social Security benefits or other
offset amounts.
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP, with offices at 6450 South Lewis, Suite 300, Tulsa,
Oklahoma 74136-1068, has been the independent public accounting firm of the
Company since 1979. Representatives will be present at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and will have an opportunity to make a statement to the
shareholders if they so desire. The representatives will also be available to
respond to appropriate questions from the shareholders. There have been no
disagreements with the independent public accountants on accounting and
financial disclosure.
21
<PAGE>
PROPOSALS FOR 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 2000 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Company at its principal offices
not later than November 30, 1999, for inclusion in the 2000 Proxy Statement and
form of proxy. Proposals intended to be the subject of a separate solicitation
may be brought before the 2000 Annual Meeting by shareholders provided that
written notice of any such proposal is received at the Company's principal
executive offices not less than 50 nor more than 75 days prior to the called
meeting date. If less than 65 days notice of the 2000 Annual Meeting is given,
written notice of any such proposal must be received no later than the close of
business on the 15th day following the day on which notice of the annual meeting
date was mailed. The Company's by-laws require that notices of shareholder
proposals contain certain information about any proposal and the proposing
shareholder. A copy of the relevant by-law provisions may be obtained by
contacting Mr. Greg D. Kerley, Secretary, Southwestern Energy Company, 1083 Sain
Street, P. O. Box 1408, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-1408, (501) 521-1141.
OTHER BUSINESS
While the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders calls for transaction of
such other business as may properly come before the meeting, the Company's
management has no knowledge of any matters to be presented for action by
shareholders at the meeting other than as set forth in this statement. If any
other business should come before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy
have discretionary authority to vote in accordance with their best judgment.
Shareholders may bring additional proposals before the meeting provided written
notice of any such proposal is received at the Company's principal executive
offices no later than the close of business on April 13, 1999. The Company's
by-laws require that this notice must contain certain information about any
proposal and the proposing shareholder. A copy of the relevant by-law provisions
may be obtained by contacting Mr. Greg D. Kerley, Secretary, Southwestern Energy
Company, 1083 Sain Street, P. O. Box 1408, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-1408,
(501) 521-1141.
Any shareholder who has not received a copy of the Company's Annual Report
or wishes to obtain a copy of the Company's Form 10-K may obtain a copy of
either free of charge by contacting Mr. Greg D. Kerley, Secretary, Southwestern
Energy Company, 1083 Sain Street, P.O. Box 1408, Fayetteville, Arkansas
72702-1408.
By Order of the Board of Directors
GREG D. KERLEY
Secretary
Dated: March 29, 1999
22
<PAGE>
SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY
1083 Sain Street
P. O. Box 1408
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-1408
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints each of Kenneth R. Mourton and Charles E.
Scharlau as Proxies, with power of substitution, and hereby authorizes them to
represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of Common Stock of
Southwestern Energy Company held of record by the undersigned on March 17, 1999,
at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 1999, or any
adjournment or adjournments thereof.
In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote on such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
The signer hereby revokes all proxies heretofore given by the signer to
vote at said meeting or any adjournments thereof. This proxy is revocable at any
time before it is exercised, the signer retaining the right to attend the
meeting and vote in person.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed
herein. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of
directors.
You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate box,
but you need not mark either box if you wish to vote FOR the election of all
nominees. The Proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this
card.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
L. Epley, Jr. H. Korell For |_| Withheld |_|
J. Hammerschmidt K. Mourton
R. Howard C. Scharlau
FOR, except vote WITHHELD from the following nominee(s):
FOR, with exercise of cumulative voting privilege. Indicate number of
votes cast for each nominee.
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners
should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as
such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by
president or other authorized officer. If a partnership,
please sign in partnership name by an authorized person.
SIGNATURE(S)________________________________________________DATE _______________
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
